OUAGADOUGOU – A significant fire outbreak has devastated around twenty shops in the large Diffa market in eastern Niger, as reported by the Niger Press Agency (ANP). The incident, which occurred on November 21, 2023, fortunately resulted in no loss of human life but caused considerable damage to the telephone sales district.

According to Burkina Information Agency, The Secretary General of the Diffa governorate, Hambaly Bouweye, visited the scene on November 22, 2023, to assess the extent of the damage. According to ANP, Mr. Bouweye noted that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations will be conducted to ascertain its origin.

In the aftermath of the fire, Mr. Bouweye urged the market manager to clear the access routes to the infrastructure, which is currently under the protection of defense and security forces. The loss of the shops, critical for the local economy and communication, highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in market areas. This incident in Diffa market is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that markets face in terms of fire safety, and the need for proactive measures to prevent such disasters.